Has anyone ever heard of a Dressmaker brand machine? Driving home yesterday, I spotted this portable sewing machine waiting for the trash collector. I stopped and rescued it from the coming rainstorm. Took it home, and plugged it in and it runs! Beyond that, I have no idea how to even get the darn bobbin out. By comparing pictures on google, I have learned it is a model 205. I am wondering if it might be worth repairing, if needed, and searching somewhere for a manual. It is heavy, but appears to be in good shape. I have never owned anything but a Singer brand and now have a Brother CS6000i. Any input is appreciated.

Congrats on your find!! Sorry I can't help you :(

sounds like a good find!! Have you searched for the manual online?

Great find for you. I have heard of a Dressmaker, but really can't help you other than that. Try contacting Billy, he has a vintage machine topic.

Dressmaker is the one they always had in the magazines on the contests and such. I have never had one, but have heard they are aren't too bad a machine. Interested in your outcome with this. Congrats on finding it!

congrats on a great find. I hope you find what you need to sort it out.

Found this link; Hope it helps.

http://www.sewingmanuals.com/Sewing_...Dressmaker.htm

Who is Billy?

I bought a Dressmaker from CraigsList for $30. I don't know much about it. You are right about one thing, though. It is heavy. I'm able to operate it and I use it to make bags or anything else that has thick seams. I also use it for extremely fuzzy fabric.

Billy aka Lostn51 started the Vintage Machine Shop section on this board. He's our expert on all things about vintage sewing machines. Here's the link

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-43881-1.htm

Your Dressmaker is a badged machine, most likely made by White Sewing Machine Company. Got pictures? :)

Someone probably didn't know what to do with it so set it out for the trashman. Machines used to be made of metal so it would be heavy, which can be an advantage when it comes to sewing for long periods of time and on thicker fabrics.
Give it a cleaning yourself and oil it and then use it. You will figure out how to get the bobbin out, tip it to the back so you can see the underside and then go at it. It has to come out and you will find the solution to the bobbin case. Maybe someone will come up with a manual you can copy.

Carol J.

Is the bobbin in vertically or does it drop in horizonally. If it's vertical, there is a little flip release across the middle. Flip it out and it becomes a little handle for removing the bobbin. A drop in should just lift out. The vertical is great for FWQ.

Take the machine apart as far as you can - top off - bobbin race out and clean everything with sewing machine oil. You'll be amazed at how well the old metal machines sew, but you'll do it no favors sewing with it dirty.

Thanks, merry...gonna check it out.

It is a vertical bobbin. I am going to follow your directions and really appreciate your input. Thanks so much. This will be my first step to restoring it.

I have one that my sister gave me. VERY heavy. Love the way it sews and handles. mine is model s-3000

MIL has a dressmaker. She is persnickety (MIL and machine). But they get along well. I couldn't maker the machine work for me.